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Pearl smiled contentedly. She had the river all to herself. "I'll miss you, river," she said, jokingly. "There are no rivers in St. Maarten," she said, sadly.
She stood, wading the water to the spot on shore where she'd left her clothes. She was just about to step out of the water when she saw the man approaching. She stood still, her eyes on the man as fear gripped her heart. He was wearing short khaki pants and a white merino, and was smiling, triumphantly shaking his head. Pearl sensed danger and turned to run back into the water. The man grabbed her before she could dive into the water.
"You bitch. You is the bitch that going around telling the girls to tell their mother if we touch their kookoolooks," he said, harshly. "I been watching you, bitch. Even if they tell their mother, their mother wouldn't believe them."
"Get away from me," said Pearl, her heart thumping in her chest.
He laughed. "I going to do more than touch your kookoolooks, bitch," he said, trying to push the strap of her bathing suit down her arm.
Pearl screamed, kicking at his legs and struggling to get out of his arms.
"Nobody going to hear you, bitch. You didn't like it when your father was cokaying you, but you going to like it when I cokay you with my big tolli."
Pearl screamed and bit his arm. He swore, relaxing his grip. Pearl ran and dove into the water, swimming swiftly downstream. He was right behind her. He caught up with her, grabbed her and headed toward the shore.
"I should put a licking on you for biting me, bitch," he said, angrily. "When I finish cokay you I'll give you some licks."
Pearl screamed, kicking and struggling. She prayed a silent prayer. God, I know that I do not pray, but please come through for me this time. Don't let him hurt me. Please save me.
read an excerpt from Edwards' first book, "A Caribbean Story of Love, Lust and Lies"
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